On Thursday, February 16, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded to a fire at Smoky Mountain High School, and after investigating the incident, arrested 16-year-old student, Cody Perry, around 8:30 p.m. the same day.

According to a report from the Sheriff’s Office, the fire was located in the men’s restroom on the second floor of the school’s “C” building.

After reviewing the school's surveillance video and interviewing several students and school staff, the Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain enough information to arrest Perry. School staff and the school’s resource deputy sheriff were the first to respond and were able to extinguish the fire by using several portable extinguishers. Jackson County Deputies responded to assist in the evacuation and to secure the scene.

The Sylva, Cullowhee and Savannah Fire departments responded and helped clear the building of smoke and ensured the fire was fully extinguished.

School staff aided students in the safe evacuation of all students and were able to clear the building and extinguish the fire without further incident.

Perry was charged with Burning of a School House, NCGS 14-60, and was given a $7500 secure bond at the time of arrest. He will have a 96 hour hearing today at which time his bond could change.